Get your library card!
Visit any of the 9 libraries which make up Providence Community Library to get a library card. It’s free! Be ready to fill out a library card registration form, and bring personal ID. If your current address isn’t on your ID, please bring verification of your current address. And if you've lost your card, come in with $1 and get another one!
For Rhode Island residents, you must present: (1) a picture ID: a driver’s license, state resident ID card, a passport or passport and (2) another proof of address: car registration, utility bill, lease, checks.
Children under 14 years of age need to come in with their parent or guardian, who will sign the registration form and present ID and proof of address. Young adults 14 and up sign for themselves; they’ll need ID and address verification too. A report card or letter from school usually provides this.
Cards are also available for out-of-state residents
Students attending a college or school in Rhode Island full-time need to demonstrate their enrollment with a student ID or other school document; if they live off-campus they need to bring address verification too.
Residents of other states who are employed full-time in Rhode Island need to demonstrate employment with a paycheck stub or a letter from their employer, and to verify work and home addresses.
Other out-of-state residents can buy an Ocean State Libraries membership for $115 annually.
Temporary cards are available for visitors and people without a current fixed address.
Temporary cards are issued for 1 month and limited to a maximum of 2 items; the card can be reissued every month as the user needs to. To get a temporary card, bring ID and either: a hotel confirmation or bill, a recently dated form or letter from a local social service agency, or cancelled personal mail.
Teacher and agency cards...teachers should bring a current union card or paycheck stub as well as a photo ID. Agencies should provide a letter from agency administration and a list of authorized users. Home day care providers are also eligible. The Teacher Card may only be used at the Providence Community Library for materials from a Providence library.